'''Soft Soldering''' with an '''[[Electric Soldering Iron]]''' is commonly the method used to fuse '''[[:Category:Electronics and Control|Electronics]]''' components on to circuit boards - multi-core solder wire which incorporates a ‘passive’ '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' is used ''(to avoid corrosion of the copper tracks afterwards)''. This method can be used also for other circumstances where only small sections of materials are to be joined ''(e.g. when joining the ends of the copper tape used to make a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrarium '''Terrarium'''] or to join together the ‘H’ and ‘U’ shaped lead [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Came '''Cames'''] when creating a piece of decorative [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Came_glasswork '''Glasswork'''] - although heavier section [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Came '''Cames'''] may be heated more easily with a copper bit '''[[Soldering Irons]]''' heated by a gas torch)''.

+

'''Soft Soldering''' with an '''[[Electric Soldering Iron]]''' is commonly the method used to fuse '''[[:Category:Electronics and Control|Electronics]]''' components on to circuit boards - multi-core solder wire which incorporates a '''[[Soldering Flux|Passive Flux]]''' is used ''(to avoid corrosion of the copper tracks afterwards)''. This method can be used also for other circumstances where only small sections of materials are to be joined ''(e.g. when joining the ends of the copper tape used to make a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrarium '''Terrarium'''] or to join together the ‘H’ and ‘U’ shaped lead [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Came '''Cames'''] when creating a piece of decorative [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Came_glasswork '''Glasswork'''] - although heavier section [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Came '''Cames'''] may be heated more easily with a copper bit '''[[Soldering Irons|Soldering Iron]]''' heated by a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propane_torch '''Gas Torch'''])''.

Line 20:

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* ensure all pieces to be joined are clean, either by using '''[[Emery Cloth]]''', '''[[Pickling]]''', or '''Steel Wool''',

* ensure all pieces to be joined are clean, either by using '''[[Emery Cloth]]''', '''[[Pickling]]''', or '''Steel Wool''',

* The pieces are laid together then both '''Soldering Iron''' and multi-core '''Solder''' are brought to the joint together,

* The pieces are laid together then both '''Soldering Iron''' and multi-core '''Solder''' are brought to the joint together,

−

* on heating, the resin ''(aka [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosin Rosin])'', passive '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' melts out of the cored solder to cover the area and this is quickly followed by solder melting and flowing along the joint,

+

* on heating, the resin ''(aka [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosin Rosin])'', '''[[Soldering Flux|Passive Flux]]''' melts out of the cored solder to cover the area and this is quickly followed by solder melting and flowing along the joint,

* separate pieces may be coated with a thin layer of solder before joining together - a process known as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinning '''Tinning'''],

* separate pieces may be coated with a thin layer of solder before joining together - a process known as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinning '''Tinning'''],

* if [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinning '''Tinned'''] first, the separate pieces can often be brought together and simply touched with the heated '''Soldering Iron''' to fuse the two layers of solder together.

* if [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinning '''Tinned'''] first, the separate pieces can often be brought together and simply touched with the heated '''Soldering Iron''' to fuse the two layers of solder together.

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=====Soldering with a gas heated iron=====

=====Soldering with a gas heated iron=====

−

There are tasks involving larger sections of conductive metals for which an '''[[Electric Soldering Iron]]''' might struggle to provide sufficient heat. There are circumstances also when better control can be exercised if additional heat can be applied with a gas torch and wet, ‘active’ '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' ''(e.g. '''Bakers Fluid''')'' is brushed along the joint to encourage the solder to run in particular directions. In each case, the presence of mains electricity is potentially dangerous and gas heated '''[[Soldering Irons]]''' are preferred. Such circumstances are commonplace when assembling components in '''[[:Category:Beaten Metalwork|Beaten Metalwork]]'''.

+

There are tasks involving larger sections of conductive metals for which an '''[[Electric Soldering Iron]]''' might struggle to provide sufficient heat. There are circumstances also when better control can be exercised if additional heat can be applied with a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propane_torch '''Gas Torch'''] and wet, ‘active’ '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' ''(e.g. '''Bakers Fluid''')'' is brushed along the joint to encourage the solder to run in particular directions. In each case, the presence of mains electricity is potentially dangerous and gas heated '''[[Soldering Irons]]''' are preferred. Such circumstances are commonplace when assembling components in '''[[:Category:Beaten Metalwork|Beaten Metalwork]]'''.

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* ensure the pieces to be joined are clean and close fitting,

* ensure the pieces to be joined are clean and close fitting,

* apply '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' and assemble the joint - secure with wire or a '''[[Jig]]''' etc. if necessary,

* apply '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' and assemble the joint - secure with wire or a '''[[Jig]]''' etc. if necessary,

−

* pre-heat the workpiece with a gas torch using a large soft '''[[Heat Treatment|Annealing]]''' flame,

+

* pre-heat the workpiece with a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propane_torch '''Gas Torch'''] using a large soft '''[[Heat Treatment|Annealing]]''' flame,

* heat up the copper bit hand irons, on a '''[[Brazing Hearth]]''' for example, until a green flame is created,

* heat up the copper bit hand irons, on a '''[[Brazing Hearth]]''' for example, until a green flame is created,

−

* dip the '''[[Soldering Irons|Soldering Iron]]''' tip into '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' to clean it and ensure it is well [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinning '''Tinned'''],

+

* dip the '''[[Soldering Irons|Soldering Iron]]''' tip into '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' to clean it and ensure it is well [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinning '''Tinned'''] ''(i.e. coated with a layer of solder)'',

* bring the heated '''[[Soldering Irons|Soldering Iron]]''' and '''Solder''' to the workpiece together and transfer '''Solder''' to the joint,

* bring the heated '''[[Soldering Irons|Soldering Iron]]''' and '''Solder''' to the workpiece together and transfer '''Solder''' to the joint,

−

* if necessary, continue heating the workpiece with a gas torch and brush on more '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' to help the '''Solder''' flow along and through the joint ''(given a clean surface and the presence of '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''', '''Solder''' will ‘chase the heat’ and can be coaxed along in this way)'',

+

* continue to dip the the heated iron in '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' and pick up extra '''Solder''' as needed,

−

* allow to cool, remove any wire or '''[[Jig|Jigs]]''' etc., wash thoroughly and place in a '''[[Pickling|Pickle Bath]]''' to clean.

+

* if necessary, continue heating the workpiece with a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propane_torch '''Gas Torch'''] and brush on more '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' to help the '''Solder''' flow along and through the joint ''(given a clean surface and the presence of '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''', '''Solder''' will ‘chase the heat’ and can be coaxed along in this way)'',

+

* allow to cool, remove any wire or '''[[Jig|Jigs]]''' etc., wash thoroughly and place in a '''[[Pickling|Pickle Bath]]''' to clean if required.

+

* if necessary, any remaining '''[[Soldering Flux|Active Flux]]''' can be neutralised by brushing over with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_bicarbonate '''Bicarbonate of Soda'''] to halt further corrosion.

Line 51:

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* apply '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' ''(e.g. an ‘active’ liquid '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' such as '''Bakers Fluid''' will withstand the heat of the torch and can continue to be brushed on the joint as it is heated)'',

* apply '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' ''(e.g. an ‘active’ liquid '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' such as '''Bakers Fluid''' will withstand the heat of the torch and can continue to be brushed on the joint as it is heated)'',

* assemble the joint - secure with wire or a '''[[Jig]]''' etc. if necessary,

* assemble the joint - secure with wire or a '''[[Jig]]''' etc. if necessary,

−

* set the gas torch to produce a large, soft '''[[Heat Treatment|Annealing]]''' flame and heat the workpiece generally,

+

* set the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propane_torch '''Gas Torch'''] to produce a large, soft '''[[Heat Treatment|Annealing]]''' flame and heat the workpiece generally,

* intensify the flame and focus in on the area to joined,

* intensify the flame and focus in on the area to joined,

* introduce '''Solder''' to the workpiece,

* introduce '''Solder''' to the workpiece,

−

* if necessary, continue heating the workpiece with a gas torch and brush on more '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' to help the '''Solder''' flow along and through the joint ''(given a clean surface and the presence of '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''', '''Solder''' will ‘chase the heat’ and can be coaxed along in this way)'',

+

* if necessary, continue heating the workpiece with a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propane_torch '''Gas Torch'''] and brush on more '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' to help the '''Solder''' flow along and through the joint ''(given a clean surface and the presence of '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''', '''Solder''' will ‘chase the heat’ and can be coaxed along in this way)'',

−

* allow to cool, remove any wire or '''[[Jig|Jigs]]''' etc., wash thoroughly and place in a '''[[Pickling|Pickle Bath]]''' to clean.

+

* allow to cool, remove any wire or '''[[Jig|Jigs]]''' etc., wash thoroughly and place in a '''[[Pickling|Pickle Bath]]''' to clean if required.

+

* if necessary, any remaining '''[[Soldering Flux|Active Flux]]''' can be neutralised by brushing over with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_bicarbonate '''Bicarbonate of Soda'''] to halt further corrosion.

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[[File:SolderingPipes2.png|350px|right]]

[[File:SolderingPipes2.png|350px|right]]

−

Gas torches are used to produce [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soldering#Pipe_soldering '''Sweated Joints'''] as follows:

+

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propane_torch '''Gas Torches'''] are used to produce [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soldering#Pipe_soldering '''Sweated Joints'''] as follows:

* ensure the pieces to be joined are clean and close fitting,

* ensure the pieces to be joined are clean and close fitting,

* apply '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' ''(when joining water pipes a water based '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' is advised which will wash out afterwards)'' and '''Tin''' the jointing surfaces by applying a thin layer of solder ''([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solder_ring_fitting '''Yorkshire Fittings'''], as used by plumbers, have a solder ring built-in for this purpose)'',

* apply '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' ''(when joining water pipes a water based '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' is advised which will wash out afterwards)'' and '''Tin''' the jointing surfaces by applying a thin layer of solder ''([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solder_ring_fitting '''Yorkshire Fittings'''], as used by plumbers, have a solder ring built-in for this purpose)'',

* allow to cool, clean and re-apply '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' to the joint pieces,

* allow to cool, clean and re-apply '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' to the joint pieces,

* assemble the joint - secure with wire or a '''[[Jig]]''' etc. if necessary,

* assemble the joint - secure with wire or a '''[[Jig]]''' etc. if necessary,

−

* set the gas torch to produce a large, soft '''[[Heat Treatment|Annealing]]''' flame and heat the workpiece generally,

+

* set the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propane_torch '''Gas Torch'''] to produce a large, soft '''[[Heat Treatment|Annealing]]''' flame and heat the workpiece generally,

* intensify the flame and focus in on the area to joined,

* intensify the flame and focus in on the area to joined,

−

* if necessary, continue heating the workpiece with a gas torch and brush on more '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' to help the '''Solder''' flow along and through the joint ''(given a clean surface and the presence of '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''', '''Solder''' will ‘chase the heat’ and can be coaxed along in this way - e.g. '''Solder''' will appear around the end of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solder_ring_fitting '''Yorkshire Fittings'''] having been drawn there by heat and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capillary_action '''Capillary Action'''] )'',

+

* if necessary, continue heating the workpiece with a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propane_torch '''Gas Torch'''] and brush on more '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' to help the '''Solder''' flow along and through the joint ''(given a clean surface and the presence of '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''', '''Solder''' will ‘chase the heat’ and can be coaxed along in this way - e.g. '''Solder''' will appear around the end of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solder_ring_fitting '''Yorkshire Fittings'''] having been drawn there by heat and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capillary_action '''Capillary Action'''] )'',

During the first half of the 20th Century it was common for domestic [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plumbing '''Plumbing'''] to comprise mainly [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead '''Lead'''] piping, underground electricity and telecoms cables to be sheathed in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead '''Lead'''] ''(the use of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead '''Lead'''] for domestic water pipes was ended in 1970)'' . In each case joints were made with '''Soft Solder''' using a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiped_joint '''Wiped Joint'''] technique whereby semi-molten solder is ‘wiped’ around the joint area using a wooden stick or a cloth coated in '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' ''(e.g. traditionally animal fat or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallow '''Tallow'''] before the general use of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosin '''Rosin''' (aka Resin)])''.

+

During the first half of the 20th Century it was common for domestic [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plumbing '''Plumbing'''] to comprise mainly [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead '''Lead'''] piping and underground electricity or telecoms cables to be sheathed in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead '''Lead'''] ''(the use of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead '''Lead'''] for domestic water pipes was ended in 1970)'' . In each case joints were made with '''Soft Solder''' using a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiped_joint '''Wiped Joint'''] technique whereby semi-molten solder is ‘wiped’ around the joint area using a wooden stick or a cloth coated in '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' ''(e.g. traditionally animal fat or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallow '''Tallow'''] was used before the general use of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosin '''Rosin''' (aka Resin)])''.

* the pieces to be joined are closely fitted together and the jointing area surfaces scraped clean with a metal scraper ''(e.g. a paint scraper)'',

+

* the pieces to be joined are closely fitted together and the jointing are surfaces scraped clean with a metal scraper ''(e.g. a paint scraper)'',

−

* coat the jointing area with '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' to protect it as the joint is heated with a gas torch or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blow_torch '''Blow Lamp'''],

+

* coat the jointing area with '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' to protect it as the joint is heated with a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propane_torch '''Gas Torch'''] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blow_torch '''Blowlamp'''],

* '''Plumbers' Solder''' is melted on to the jointing area forming lumps of semi-molten solder,

* '''Plumbers' Solder''' is melted on to the jointing area forming lumps of semi-molten solder,

* when the solder on the joint is at such a heat as to make it difficult to keep it on the pipe, it is then patted round with the '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' covered cloth pad, and the surplus solder on the edges wiped off,

* when the solder on the joint is at such a heat as to make it difficult to keep it on the pipe, it is then patted round with the '''[[Soldering Flux|Flux]]''' covered cloth pad, and the surplus solder on the edges wiped off,

Metals including copper, brass, lead, tin (inc. Tinplate) and steel are readily soldered but some metals, such as aluminium and cast iron, either require special solders or are not at all suitable to be joined in this way.

Using an Electric Soldering Iron

Soft Soldering with an Electric Soldering Iron is commonly the method used to fuse Electronics components on to circuit boards - multi-core solder wire which incorporates a Passive Flux is used (to avoid corrosion of the copper tracks afterwards). This method can be used also for other circumstances where only small sections of materials are to be joined (e.g. when joining the ends of the copper tape used to make a Terrarium or to join together the ‘H’ and ‘U’ shaped lead Cames when creating a piece of decorative Glasswork - although heavier section Cames may be heated more easily with a copper bit Soldering Iron heated by a Gas Torch).

ensure all pieces to be joined are clean, either by using Emery Cloth, Pickling, or Steel Wool,

The pieces are laid together then both Soldering Iron and multi-core Solder are brought to the joint together,

on heating, the resin (aka Rosin), Passive Flux melts out of the cored solder to cover the area and this is quickly followed by solder melting and flowing along the joint,

separate pieces may be coated with a thin layer of solder before joining together - a process known as Tinning,

if Tinned first, the separate pieces can often be brought together and simply touched with the heated Soldering Iron to fuse the two layers of solder together.

Soldering with a gas heated iron

There are tasks involving larger sections of conductive metals for which an Electric Soldering Iron might struggle to provide sufficient heat. There are circumstances also when better control can be exercised if additional heat can be applied with a Gas Torch and wet, ‘active’ Flux(e.g. Bakers Fluid) is brushed along the joint to encourage the solder to run in particular directions. In each case, the presence of mains electricity is potentially dangerous and gas heated Soldering Irons are preferred. Such circumstances are commonplace when assembling components in Beaten Metalwork.

bring the heated Soldering Iron and Solder to the workpiece together and transfer Solder to the joint,

continue to dip the the heated iron in Flux and pick up extra Solder as needed,

if necessary, continue heating the workpiece with a Gas Torch and brush on more Flux to help the Solder flow along and through the joint (given a clean surface and the presence of Flux, Solder will ‘chase the heat’ and can be coaxed along in this way),

allow to cool, remove any wire or Jigs etc., wash thoroughly and place in a Pickle Bath to clean if required.

Heating with a Gas Torch

It is possible, and often convenient when working with large pieces of conductive metals such as in Beaten Metalwork, to Solder without use of a Soldering Iron at all but simply bring the workpiece up to soldering heat and introduce Flux and Solder directly to the joint (in essence, the heated workpiece becomes the Soldering Iron).

The soldering process is broadly as follows:

ensure the pieces to be joined are clean and close fitting,

apply Flux(e.g. an ‘active’ liquid Flux such as Bakers Fluid will withstand the heat of the torch and can continue to be brushed on the joint as it is heated),

set the Gas Torch to produce a large, soft Annealing flame and heat the workpiece generally,

intensify the flame and focus in on the area to joined,

introduce Solder to the workpiece,

if necessary, continue heating the workpiece with a Gas Torch and brush on more Flux to help the Solder flow along and through the joint (given a clean surface and the presence of Flux, Solder will ‘chase the heat’ and can be coaxed along in this way),

allow to cool, remove any wire or Jigs etc., wash thoroughly and place in a Pickle Bath to clean if required.

Sweated Joints

It is sometimes convenient to pre-coat the pieces to be joined with a thin layer of solder first (a process known as Tinning), let them cool, clean them, re-assemble the joint with Flux(e.g. Telux) and re-heat to fuse the layers together. This is known as a Sweated Joint.

apply Flux(when joining water pipes a water based Flux is advised which will wash out afterwards) and Tin the jointing surfaces by applying a thin layer of solder (Yorkshire Fittings, as used by plumbers, have a solder ring built-in for this purpose),

set the Gas Torch to produce a large, soft Annealing flame and heat the workpiece generally,

intensify the flame and focus in on the area to joined,

if necessary, continue heating the workpiece with a Gas Torch and brush on more Flux to help the Solder flow along and through the joint (given a clean surface and the presence of Flux, Solder will ‘chase the heat’ and can be coaxed along in this way - e.g. Solder will appear around the end of a Yorkshire Fittings having been drawn there by heat and Capillary Action ),

allow to cool, remove any wire or Jigs etc., wash thoroughly and clean.

Wiped Joint

During the first half of the 20th Century it was common for domestic Plumbing to comprise mainly Lead piping and underground electricity or telecoms cables to be sheathed in Lead(the use of Lead for domestic water pipes was ended in 1970) . In each case joints were made with Soft Solder using a Wiped Joint technique whereby semi-molten solder is ‘wiped’ around the joint area using a wooden stick or a cloth coated in Flux(e.g. traditionally animal fat or Tallow was used before the general use of Rosin (aka Resin)).

The Wiped Joint technique has been used since the time of Ancient Rome. It relies on solder staying workable or ‘pasty’ in a semi-molten state to give time for it to be ‘wiped’ around the joint. Such solders must be Non-Eutectic(e.g. 50/50 Lead and Tin) such that the change from solid to liquid occurs over a temperature range (i.e. as opposed to the Eutectic Alloy, used as Tinmans Solder and for electronics work, which has a melting point the same as the freezing point).

Most Plumbers would use a Flux covered cloth pad instead of a wooden stick. Traditionally, the pad would be made up from several layers of Moleskin but layers of any similar thickness cloths would suffice.